Zendaya Shines in the Sensual Tennis Drama 'Challengers'

Zendaya Aces Her Role in Tennis Love Triangle Film Challengers

(L to R) Mike Faist as Art, Zendaya as Tashi and Josh O’Connor as Patrick in CHALLENGERS Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures

Challengers receives a rating of 3.5 stars out of 4 from movie critic Mara Reinstein.

A fun fact to note: All three actresses who played Peter Parker’s love interest in the live-action Spider-Man movies of this century have gone on to star in tennis-themed films. Kirsten Dunst appeared in the romantic comedy Wimbledon, while Emma Stone portrayed Billie Jean King in the underrated Battle of the Sexes.

Zendaya shines in Challengers, the hottest movie of 2024 despite being released in April. She truly nails her performance.

In the film, Zendaya plays Tashi Duncan, who finds herself in a steamy love triangle with her ex (played by Josh O'Connor) and her husband (played by Mike Faist) over a span of 13 years. Both men are tennis stars, but it's Tashi who takes charge and calls the shots. (I can't resist making tennis puns, they're just too much fun!)

From the start, the tension is high as two men compete in a tennis match, volleying back and forth on the court. Despite the intense energy, this is not a Grand Slam title match but a low-key tournament in New Rochelle, New York in 2019. Clearly, there is a different kind of victory at stake. Tashi, sitting in the stands in a stylish white sundress, watches the game with a worried look on her face. Her attention is on the game, but something - or someone - else is occupying her thoughts. And for good reason.

In a flashback, we discover that the players, Patrick Zweig (O'Connor) and Art Donaldson (Faist), were once promising doubles partners and best friends. Both on and off the court, they were known as "fire and ice" - Patrick being charming yet hot-headed, while Art was thoughtful and methodical. When they first meet Tashi, an 18-year-old prodigy with long legs on her way to Stanford, they try to leverage their contrasting personalities. Tashi, confident and skilled with a fierce backhand, engages in friendly conversation with the guys at the beach. Following their interaction, they invite her to meet them later in their hotel room.

Zendaya Aces Her Role in Tennis Love Triangle Film Challengers

Mike Faist stars as Art and Zendaya as Tashi in CHALLENGERS. Niko Tavernise/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc.

Could she? Would she?

Considering that Challengers is directed by Call Me by Your Name’s Luca Guadagnino, the answer is a heck yes.

In a contemporary romance, the scene is both funny and captivating. A refreshing twist occurs as both guys find themselves in a vulnerable position, while their object of affection takes control. They start their night by shamelessly flirting on the hotel-room floor, with Tashi eventually standing up and giving directions. Their sultry group dynamic leads to a memorable makeout session that will linger in the minds of the audience.

The Challengers narrative resembles a climactic tennis match, constantly shifting back and forth with the score changing. As a teenager, Tashi dates Patrick as he serves as the perfect passionate foil. However, the more steady but passive Art becomes a true friend to her, especially after she experiences a devastating injury. They eventually marry, and she coaches him to several Grand Slam championships. Despite this, Art lacks the confidence to become an all-time great, a fact known to Tashi, Art, and even Patrick, who becomes estranged from his friend and fails to reach his full potential. As they compete for the championship in the suburbs, both are in redemption mode, hoping for one final shot at glory, both professionally and personally.

Compliments are definitely deserved for the stunning and exciting in-game sequences. The way the ball moves across the court is truly impressive! The mesmerizing synth score, created by Oscar winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, adds to the experience and complements the developing relationships. It's important to acknowledge the technical aspects of the movie. However, the success of this film relies on all three points of the triangle being highlighted.

Rest assured, Challengers excels in this aspect.

Faist and O'Connor bring Art and Patrick to life as imperfect yet captivating characters. Zendaya shines in her debut adult role, portraying a strong and confident character who follows her heart and mind, often not simultaneously. The on-screen chemistry between Zendaya and her co-stars is palpable, with their gazes alone capable of igniting a fiery passion. Surprisingly, the only nudity in the film is brief shots of men in a locker room.

Originally set to debut last fall, Challengers was delayed due to Hollywood labor strikes. However, this setback may have been a blessing in disguise, allowing the film to stand out from the crowded field of Oscar contenders and shine on its own. While love may not play a significant role in tennis, this movie proves to be the exception.

Challengers opens in theaters Friday, April 26.

Editor's P/S:

"Challengers" is a thrilling and captivating tennis-themed film that showcases the undeniable talent of Zendaya. Her performance as Tashi Duncan is nothing